During California’s 1987-1992 drought, the California Department of Water Resources, in conjunction with water agencies and associations, designated May as Water Awareness Month. In commemoration, water agencies throughout California conduct public outreach and educational events to encourage wise water use and conservation.
This year, San Jose Water Company (SJWC) partnered with the San Jose Giants to host its 20th Annual Water Awareness Night at Municipal Stadium, which drew almost 3,000 local water customers. The event included water conservation presentations and activities with interactive displays, games and giveaways provided by SJWC and the Giants.
“I think it’s something our community looks forward to,” said Juliana Paoli, Senior Vice President of Communications and Chief Marketing Officer for the Giants. “It’s about our community and San Jose Water Company and how they care about the community, their customers and educating us on water issues.”
California Water Service (Cal Water) celebrated Water Awareness Month by hosting a festival in the Selma District at Lincoln Park Plaza where more than 200 customers participated in festivities and had the opportunity to meet with representatives from various Cal Water departments. They were joined by local elected officials, police and fire chiefs and other city employees. The festivities included face painting and performances by the Selma High School Folklorico Dancers.
“Every year we invite our local customers to learn more about their water system and get to know our Selma team, the people who work day in and day out to ensure our customers have reliable, high-quality water service,” said Cal Water’s Local Manager Steve Johnson. “This year, we also wanted to acknowledge our customers for their efforts during the drought emergency. Thanks to their efforts, we reduced water use collectively by almost 40 percent in Selma.”
Cal Water also hosted a customer-appreciation event on June 4 at the Kern County Fairgrounds in Bakersfield to celebrate the water utility’s 90th year of service in the district. The event featured carnival games, prizes, giveaways, free food and a low-water-use plant demonstration. The Ballet Folklorico Huaztecalli performed traditional Mexican folk dances, and Centre Stage Dance Academy performed Irish step dances.
